A bare hillside is both unsightly and unstable. Without plants, the small, unsecured soil particles get lifted by rain and runoff, and washed down the slope. This can damage structures that are in the path of this landslide, as well as exposing building foundations, which creates even more problems. By planting a mixture of low-growing perennials, prairie grasses, turfgrass and shrubs, you are protecting and securing the soil, and slowing erosion.

Erosion and Planting

Growing plants on a slope helps control erosion in two ways: The roots grow into the soil, creating a web or structure that holds the soil in place, and the aboveground growth creates a cover that protects the soil surface from direct rain. The more low-growing perennials and grasses you have, combined with trees and shrubs, the more support the area has for slowing erosion and the potential breakdown of the hill structure and topsoil layer.

Types of Planting

Low-growing perennials, creeping groundcovers and mat-forming grasses help control the erosion of the surface soil, and most only take one growing season to get established. Shrubs and trees work for long-term erosion control. The deep, extensive root systems create a subterranean structure that supports the structure of the slope or hillside. You can also create a meadow to control erosion by using wildflower seeds mixed with perennial prairie grasses. For a more traditional lawn, you can plant turfgrass to slow erosion.

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Herbaceous Perennials and Groundcovers

The daylily cultivar “Stella de Oro” (Hemerocallis “Stella de Oro”) is one to try for erosion control. It grows 9 to 12 inches tall and forms a dense mat over the soil. You can plant “Stella de Oro” for erosion control in full sun or part shade in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. Heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), is a 1- to 3-foot-tall perennial that grows well on dry and rocky slopes. It grows in USDA zones 3 through 10 and blooms in late summer and fall. Lily turf (Liriope spicata) is a clumping perennial that grows in USDA zones 4 through 10 and spreads at a slow to moderate rate. Lily turf is suitable for erosion control, but it can be invasive in some areas.

Shrubs to Grow for Erosion Control

Mahoe (Hibiscus tiliaceus) is a broadleaf evergreen that grows 12 to 25 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12. For a splash of color, the compact, deciduous, flowering quince cultivar "Orange Storm" (Chaenomeles "Orange Storm") is another one to try. This small shrub grows 3 to 4 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. The large orange flowers bloom in spring. Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) grows 4 to 8 feet tall and is drought-tolerant. This spiky evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10.

Turfgrass

A green, healthy lawn provides more than just visual appeal in the landscape. The dense roots under the soil and grass blades above the soil form a dense protective layer over topsoil, effectively slowing erosion on slopes and hillsides. Suitable turfgrass species for Mediterranean climates are; zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), hardy in USDA zones 8 through 12; St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), hardy in USDA zones 9 through 10; and Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hardy in USDA zones 9 through 12. While excellent at slowing erosion, Bermudagrass is considered invasive in some areas.

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About the Author

Eulalia Palomo has been a professional writer since 2009. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. Palomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University. She travels widely and has spent over six years living abroad.